Hospital table



J. w. BOREN HOSPITAL TABLE May 4, 1943.

Filed Aug. 29, 1941 Patented May 4, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEHOSPITAL TABLE John W. Boren, Marinette, Wis.

Application August 29, 1941, Serial No. 408,720

7 Claims.

The inventionrelates generally to improvements in hospital tables butrelates more particularly to tables which may be raised and lowered andwhich are adapted for use as a bedside table or an operating roominstrument table.

The general object of the invention is to provide a table of this kindwhich shall be better adapted to the conditions which obtain in hospitalpractice than those heretofore available. Another object of theinvention is to provide ia.;relatively light table construction in whichthe table top may be of ample size to accommodate the variousinstruments, when used as an operating room instrument table, or toaccommodate the various items which a patient needs, when the table isused as a bedside table, and yet be of compact size and thoroughlystable and rigid. Again, it is an object to provide a hospital tablewhich can be readily raised or lowered and in which the top will beautomatically locked in placed position. It is also an object of theinvention to provide a hospital table in which the height of the table.top can be controlled by a sterile surgical nurse .herself by footcontrolled lock releasing means,

thus permitting her to position the table at desired height while theshelf or top and sides of the table remain covered by sterile linens,thus obviating the necessity of a second nurse who has heretofore beenrequired to make adjustments, and who being unsterile, involves dangerof contaminating the sterile field.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved tabletop construction on which the various operating instruments and otheritems may be placed without danger of their .Jalling oif the table, inwhich the placement of the instruments thereon causes .less noise and--yet in which there is adequate separation of the instruments by meansdividing the top into 1 .Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a hospitaltable embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is an end elevation, portions being broken away to enable theremaining parts to be shown -on enlarged scale with respect to Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary detail view of one of the eccentric lockingmembers and associated parts. i Fig. '4 is a section on the line 4-4 ofFig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a detail fragmentarysectional view on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1,and

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of removable means associated with thetable top for dividing the table into compartments or sections for thebetter segregation of surgical instruments or other items. I

The table will be described particularly as used for an operatinginstrument table because that is one purpose for which it isparticularly adapted. This is by way of illustration and not by way oflimitation.

The table includes a base frame structure to which the character I isgenerally'applied. The base I is composed of metal tubing and comprisesa transverse member 2 having downwardly curved end portions 3-3, whichterminate in enlarged floor engaging parts 4-4.

Welded to the transverse member at 5-5 are two spaced upstandingtubular" members .6-6 which are connected at their upper ends by a crossmember I, which member I is welded at 8-8 to the tubes 6-6. By virtue ofthis cross member I and the welded union of the tubes 6-6 at 8-8 withthe cross member I, a rigid'frame structure is provided. l

The lower ends of the tubes 6-6 are bent rearwardly, and extenddownwardly, in diverging relationship, as indicated at 9-9 and terminatein toe-like ends Ill-l0 which engage the floor. The widely separatedfloor contacting parts 4-4 and [0-H] provide a very rigid and stablesupport for the table base. Hence the base is able to support a tabletop of adequate size.

Th table top structure is designated generally by the characer I l. lowframe l2 of generally rectangular shape in .plan. The frame l2 has acontinuous slit l3 on its inner side of a sizetightly to receive andhold the marginal edge portions of a flat rectangularly shapedperforated metal member [4.

The table top portion II is supported by a tubular underframe l5, whichhas side parts Iii-l6 and an end part H. The end part ll lies directlyunder an associated endpar-t of the frame l2 in substantially contactingrelation.

The side portions l6-IB also lie closely adjacent the side parts oftheframe I2 for much of their length, but are bent downwardly as at l8-l 8and thence at right angles to the side portion and substantiallyparallel to the end part 12' of the frame l2 as at l9-l9. The portions.l9-l9 are united at 20-20, as by welding, to

two spaced tubular members 2I-2l. The parts iii-I6 and 'll of frame I5are welded to adjacent The top H includes a hol- 1 parts of the framel2. The lower parts of the tubular members 2|2| are telescopicallyreceived in the upper parts of the tubes 6-6 of the base. The tops ofthe parts 21|2| are cross connected by the yoke-like portion 22, whichis welded at 23 to the adjacent end member l2 of the frame I2. Thus theframe I2 and the underframe are united into a firm and rigid structure.The table top proper is furthermore supported by the underframestructure so that a long overhang is permissible without danger ofmaking the table unstable. The structure as .a

whole is very compact and yet it is feasible to provide a table top somesix inches longer than is customary in tables generally provided forthis purpose.

ments, basins, etc.

The parts |9|9 also form convenient jhan'dle' grip portions which theoperator may grasp when raising or lowering the table top.

The perforated metal member l4, while light, still functions to preventthe dropping of any of the instruments or other items therethrough. f Itis essential in a table of this type that ele vation control beprovidedso that the top can be placed in the most advantageous position for thesurgeon or nurse as the case may be. Double eccentric means are providedwhereby the table top may be locked or held in any placed position.Projecting outwardly from the ends of the base cross member I are pairsof spaced ears 3i!30, between each pair of which is positioned aneccentric member 3|. Since the eccentric structure on each side isessentially the same, a de scription of one will sufiicefor both. Theeccentric member 3| is carried on a pivot '32, and is composed of spacedplates, 33-3-4, a circular metallic centerpiece 35, which is permanentlysecured to the member 34, and a non-metallic washer-like member 35 whichis seated on the metallic centerpiece 35. The washer 36 is preferablyformed of friction material such as a rub berized ,fabric, since suchmaterial is noiseless in action and provides adequate loclc'ng actionwith little efiort.

The plates 3 334 of member 3| are provided with extensions 33' '-34", towhich one end of a toggle link 4|] is pivoted. The toggle link40-extends upwardly and inwardly to a point centrally of the tubes 2|2|at which point it is pivotally connected to asimilar link 40 of theother ec centric locking structure. The pivot 4| connect;- ing links 40w has-an extension 42 to which the, top end of an actuating rod 43 issecured. 'The rod 43- extends downwardly through a guide hole in thecross member 1, andat its lower end is connected by means, of a pivotpin 44, to-the foot actuatable lever 45. The foot actuatable lever 45 ispivoted at 46 to th left hand tubular frame member 6 (see Figs. 1 and 2)and has flattened parts 41, 48 at its ends to provide adequate surfacesfor foot engagement. The part 49; is merely a guide to prevent the leverfrom swinging out of the desired plane in its up and down movements. tBetween the cross member and the underside of the extension member 42-,an expansion spring 50 is positioned, which normally urges the actuatingrod 43 upwardly.

Movement of the actuating rod 43 in an upward direction moves the togglelinks in thesame direction and thereby causes the eccentric members 3|to swing in the direction of the arrows.

The position of the pivot 32- is such that the por- Thus there isprovided anarnple areai for the reception of the various surgical instrution 5| of the washer 33 swings into pressure contact with the adjacenttubular member 2|. Similar action of similar parts occurs at theopposite side. Thus, there is a double eccentric action serving to lockthe tubular members 2|2| in the tubular parts 66 of the base. Hence thetable top is firmly held in any placed position. Any slight movement ofthe tubular members 2|--2| downwardly while the eccentrics are inlocking position only tends to swing them more firmly in th lockingdirection. It is, therefore, possible to place any necessary amount ofequipment on the table top without imposing a load beyond the capacityof the locking equipment to hold the table parts in desired placedposition. j

Should it be desired to locate the table top in some other position, itis but necessary to press down on the foot lever surface 48, which movesthe toggle lever actuating rod 43 downwardly and thus through the togglelinks 40-40 swings the eccentrics in a direction opposite to thatindicated by the arrows in Fig. 3, thereby relieving the pressure of thesurface of the washers 36, against the adjacent tubular parts 2|'-2-|-,enough to permit the operator to grasp the table top and push it up ordown until the desired position is reached. Upon releasing pressure onthe foot lever, the spring 50, automatically restores the eccentricparts and associated mechanism to locking position. If it is desired tolock the parts more firmly than is possible through the action of thespring 5|] alone, it is but necessary to press on the foot surface 41 ofthe foot lever- 45, which thereby positively raises the actuator rod 43and transmits the necessary additional locking action to the cocentrics3|.

In operatingpractice, it is customary to cover the top of the tablewithasterile linen cover which also hangs downwardly around the sides.In attendance there is also a sterile surgical nurse. The structuredescribed enables the sterile nurse herself to control the elevationheight of the table by pressing downon the foot lever with one foot, asbefore described, and then grasp the table top by the hands and applyingpressure either to raise or lower it, as desired, without removing ordisturbing the sterile linen. Heretofore, operating roomsurgical tables,which must be adjustable as to height, have required a second nurse tomake the adjustments. As frequently but one sterile nurse is inattendance, it has been necessaryto depend upon a secondnurse, who isunsterile, to make the necessary adjustments It is almost impossible todo this without contamination of the sterile field by the unsterilenurse. Where, as here, the sterile surgical nurse can herself make theadjustments, danger of contamination is avoided. t

e In Fig. 6 there is shown a T bar device60.

It'spsitidhhn thetable 119;? is Shown in 1'.

may be conveniently located and suitably separated for most efiicient'use.

If desired, the

member 60 may be placed on the table before the "sterile linen cover ispositioned thereon, as the linen will naturally sag until-it engages themetal surface l4, thus providing the several com partments. In suchposition, it is not necessary for the member 60 to be sterile. Or, ifdesired,

the sterile linen may. first be placed on the .table and the member 60placed thereover, in which event the member 60 will have been sterilizedwith the surgical instruments.

A table of this general construction may also be used as a bedsidetable, if desired, in which event it could be readily equipped with oneor more drawers or shelves under the table top.

While describing the invention, I have referred in detail to the form,arrangement and construction of the parts involved, the same is to beconsidered only in the illustrative sense so that I do not wish to belimited thereto except as may be specifically set forth in the appendedclaims.

I claim as my invention:

l. A table having a base structure and a top structure, the basestructure including a pair of spaced upstanding vertically disposedtubular members, and the top structure including a pair of dependingvertically disposed tubular members, the tubular members of the top andbottom telescopically interfitting, means for holding saidtelescopically interfitting tubular members against relative verticalmovement, said means including an eccentric member for each pair oftelescopic tubular members, toggle levers connected to the eccentricmembers and to each other, resilient means urging the toggle levers in adirection serving to swing the eccentric members into locking engagementwith the associated tubular members, and manually operable means formoving the toggle levers in the opposite direction.

2. A table of the kind described and embodying therein a base, a top, anupright standard supporting the top from the base, the standardcomprising a plurality of legs each including upper and lower legportions having a sliding guided engagement with each other for relativelongitudinal movement, providing different elevations for said top,means carried by like portions of said legs and including partsoperating automatically to grip against the other like portions of saidlegs for holding said upper and lower leg portions against relativelongitudinal movement in one desired elevation for the top, and meansoperative to release the grip of said parts of said first mentionedmeans from said other like portions of said legs to permit relativelongitudinal movement of said upper and said lower leg portions forpositioning said top at another desired elevation.

3. A table of the kind described and embodying therein a base, a top, anupright standard supporting the top from the base, thestandardcomprising a. plurality of legs each including upper and lower legportions having a sliding guided engagement with each other for relativelongitudinal movement providing different elenations for said top, meanscarried by like portions of said legs and including eccentric membersoperating automatically to grip against the other like portions of saidlegs for holding said upper and lower leg portions against relativelongitudinal movement in one desired elevation for the top, and meansconnected to said eccentric members and operable to cause said membersto release their grip from said other like portions of said legs topermit said relative longitudinal movement of said upper and said lowerleg portions for positioning said top at another desired elevation.

4. A table of the kind described and embodyingtherein a base, a top, anupright standard supporting the top from the base, the standardcomprising a plurality of legs each including upper and lower legportions having a sliding guided engagement with each other for relativelongitudinal movement, providing different elevations for said top,means connecting like portions of said legs together, eccentric meansturnably mounted in said means and having peripheral portions adapted togrip against the other like portions of said legs for holding said upperand lower leg portions against relative longitudinal movement in onedesired elevation for the top, and means connected to said eccentricmeans and operative to release the grip of the same from said other likeportion of said legs to permit said relative longitudinal movement ofsaid upper and said lower leg portions for positioning said top atanother desired elevation.

5. A table of the kind described and embodying therein a base, a top, anupright standard supporting the top from the base, the standardcomprising a plurality of legs each including upper and lower legportions having a sliding guided engagement with each other for relativelongitudinal movement providing diilerent elevations for said top, meanscarried by like portions of said legs and including eccentric membersoperating automatically to grip against the other like portions of saidlegs for holding said upper and lower leg portions against relativelongitudinal movement in one desired elevation for the top, and meansincluding a pivotally mounted lever connected to said eccentric members,said lever when swung in one direction, operating through said means tocause said eccentric members to increase their grip against said otherlike portions of said legs, said lever when swung in the other directionoperating through said means to release the grip of said eccentricmembers from said other like portions of said legs to permit saidrelative longitudinal movement of said upper and lower leg portions forpositioning said top at another desired elevation.

6. A table of the kind described and embodying therein a base, a top, anupright standard supporting the top from the base and comprising a pairof laterally spaced legs each including upper and lower portions havinga sliding guided engagement with each other for relative longitudinalmovement, providing different elevations for said top, means connectingthelike portions of said legs together, eccentric members one for eachleg turnably mounted in said connecting means and adapted to gripagainst or to release said other of said leg portions, an arm memberconnected to each eccentric member, a pivotally mounted lever member, amember connecting said lever member and said arm members, and meansoperating through one of said last three mentioned members for causingsaid arm members to move into a position wherein said eccentric membersautomatically grip against said other of said leg portions.

'7. A table of the kind described and embodying therein a base, a top,an upright standard supporting the top from the base and comprising apair of laterally spaced legs each including upper and lower portionshaving a sliding guided "engagement with'each other for relativelongitudinal movement, providing difierent elevations for said top,means connecting the upper ends of the lower leg portions together,eccentrics, one

for each leg mounted for a turning movement in said connecting means, anarm member connected to each eccentric and extending upwardly andinwardly toward each other and where they are operatively connectedtogether, a lever member pivotally mounted on the lower portion of oneof said legs toward the base, a rod member connected at one end to saidlever member and to release the grip of said eccentrics from said 10upper leg portions JOHN WM. BOREN.

